Reidar Lystad and colleagues in 2011 published a critical systematic review entitled, “Manual Therapy with and without Vestibular Rehabilitation for Cervicogenic Dizziness: A Systematic Review”. I say it is critical because of the following conclusion,
There is moderate evidence to support the use of manual therapy, in particular spinal mobilisation and manipulation, for cervicogenic dizziness. The evidence for combining manual therapy and vestibular rehabilitation in the management of cervicogenic dizziness is lacking. Further research to elucidate potential synergistic effects of manual therapy and vestibular rehabilitation is strongly recommended.
I highlighted a particular important outcome of the systematic review in bold above. Basically, just 7 years ago (at time of writing this blog), we do not have the highest level of evidence telling us we should perform vestibular rehabilitation on patients diagnosed with Cervicogenic Dizziness!
In the era of evidence-based practice, we know this is just one leg to Sackett’s stool; but can’t deny the power of a systematic review!
One thing we point out in our Cervicogenic Dizziness Course is if you delve into this review, you will note that there are no studies that indicate use of Vestibular Rehabilitation in Cervicogenic Dizziness, therefore, of course the evidence is lacking!
Over the years as medicine and practice knowledge grew, we have been able to add onto this statement with a Randomized Control Trial, a Retrospective Chart Review and an Exploratory Study Even though only three articles, this is better than none back in 2011! This was exposed in a recent article in 2018 entitled,“Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Improves Perceived Disability Associated with Dizziness Post-Concussion” to express there is level 2 and level 3 evidence supporting the use of vestibular rehabilitation to treat patients suffering from dizziness post-concussion.
I would also add, even though not specific to post-concussion, Jaroshevskyi’s work in 2017 finding the following conclusion:
The multimodal approach using manual therapy in combination with acupuncture and vestibular rehabilitation showed the maximum therapeutic effect on elimination of musculo-tonic disorders, reduction of a pain syndrome with a complete regression of vertigo and postural instability.
The last study is one I want to bring to light and expose that ultimately, to achieve maximal therapeutic benefit, we CAN’T limit ourselves to just performing manual therapies OR vestibular rehabilitation for a complex disorder such as Post-Concussion Dizziness, Cervical Vertigo or Cervicogenic Dizziness.
We should, and need to, continue to blend the two specialities so patients can achieve the best of the best treatments to maximize recovery, decrease symptoms, and return to sport.
This is why Drs. Vaughan created the Physio Blend for treatment of Cervicogenic Dizziness — it is the most researched and skillful approach to tailor to these complex cases.
If you are a Vestibular Therapist wanting to learn specific manual therapies or a Manual Therapist wanting to learn vestibular rehabilitation for your patients, this is the course for you.
You can learn more about the screening and treatment process of Cervicogenic Dizzinesss through Integrative Clinical Concepts, where the authors (husband–a manual therapist a wife—a vestibular specialist), teach a very unique course combining both the theory and practice of vestibular and manual principles in their 2-day course. Pertinent to this blog post, the 2nd day includes the “Physio Blend”, a multi-faceted physiotherapist approach to the management of Cervicogenic Dizziness, which includes treatments of the articular and non-articular system of manual therapy and the most updated sensorimotor exercise regimen.
If you would like to host a course for your staff (either a vestibular, neuro, sports or ortho clinic), please do not hesitate to contact me at harrisonvaughanpt@gmail.com for more information.
- Via In Touch PT Blog
Authors
Harrison N. Vaughan, PT, DPT, OCS, Dip. Osteopracic, FAAOMPT
Instructor: Cervicogenic Dizziness for Integrative Clinical Concepts
Danielle N. Vaughan, PT, DPT, Vestibular Specialist
Instructor: Cervicogenic Dizziness for Integrative Clinical Concepts
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